i decided to dig deeper into harmony soul (or even good disco - and i mean good). no matter which time it was recorded. quality is the main criteria. so i need the advice of the experts, some of which are here i'm sure.

i would prefer available compilations or standout abums for the beginning.
i am aware of all the "northern" soul releases, but that's not
exactly the style i search for. the songs should have a solid groove -
and a nice female backing chorus is always welcome ...

only one requirement: it shouldn't be to greasy, just soulful.

oh, yes, and it may sound a little funky sometimes (heavy bass, hmmm).

Greasy, you say?
Hmmmm....How about checking out the two New Orleans Funk, Soul etc compilations on Soul Jazz. I only got around to getting them recently and I'm glad I did. They cover a lot of different styles and eras without too many obvious names. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised....

Don't forget "Greatest Recordings" by The Diplomats on Kent, "Impressed" on Kent, Don Julian & The Larks "The Jerk" on Kent, and going a bit further back to the roots of soul "Monkey Hips And Rice" by the Five Royales on Rhino.

You could try some Isley Brothers for extended funky grooves, a bit of smoochiness (but not too much) some breaks and lots of great harmony - the 'It's Your Thing' 3 CD set is fab.

... of course, though, anyone who claims to like reggae MUST get the Impressions, (I'd recommend the 2 Definitive Impressions comps on Ace) their music puts so much reggae in context, as well as being too good to be true...

Agree with James; for soul harmonies The Impressions are, literally, the best. For the gospel end of things I'd recommend the new Staple Singers compilation out on Kent. Stretches from mid-50s to early 80s and includes some devastating soul harmonics from the great Mavis.

Yes, of course, The Staple Singers - let me second Fargo and say you definitetly want to check that Informer - the recent 2 CD set on Ace is excellent ranging from early blues and gospel to their full on Stax/ Muscle Shoals killers. Includes the truly wonderful 'I'll Take You There' which reworks the Liquidator rhythm in a southern funky style... and Mavis Staples has one of the greatest voices of all time...

Aretha Franklin on Atlantic - several compilations available.
Generally, steer clear of her early CBC/Columbia years and her later Arista years, tho I do have a soft spot for some of the Arista Who's Zoomin Who stuff.
Rob

I wouldn't call it harmony soul and its certainly not disco but its definitely funky throughout with some fine soulful and some (not too) jazzy edges. Recommended by Penny Reel on the old board and by me on this one.